Treadmills empower you to work out regardless of weather conditions and the temperature outside. This consistent access to breaking a sweat makes exercise easy and can improve your health without the trouble of going to the gym.

However, many home treadmills are extremely expensive. Although lower-priced treadmills won’t have many bells and whistles, they still do the job. Here’s a quick roundup of five options for the best treadmill for home under $500. 

1. Foldable Electric Walking Treadmill 

Unless you’re looking on eBay, you won’t find a quality machine for anything under $100. This treadmill is the next best thing – for under $200, you can create a home gym that’s open all the time. You can also fold up this treadmill so it uses less space in your home. 

At 76 pounds, this machine isn’t incredibly heavy and you can move it into your home with just a little help. When it’s ready for use, it has a footprint of 20.3 by 54.2 inches and measures 42 inches high. The belt is 15.8 by 39.4 inches and has a weight limit of 250 pounds. 

This treadmill can run at speeds of 0.6 to 7.6 mph, perfect for walking and moderate running. You can adjust it for three levels of incline and it has an LED display to help you monitor your heart rate, calories burned and distance covered. Amazon reviewers speak highly of this machine and it’s ideal for beginners.

2. Exerpeutic Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill 

For just over $200, this manual treadmill offers homeowners a wider range of options. The belt measures 16 by 45 inches and can bear a weight of 325 pounds. This treadmill is a good fit for tall people and those who are more interested in running than walking. 

Despite its larger capacity, this model is still foldable and only measures 29 by 50 inches when fully extended. It stands at a height of 50 inches and offers users a small LCD screen with information on speed, distance and time. The machine can be adjusted to three different levels of incline.

Manual treadmills take more effort to get moving but you don’t have to plug them in to run. This model uses magnetic tension and can adjust to eight different levels of resistance. It’s easy to assemble, quiet and only weighs 73 pounds.

3. XTERRA Fitness Folding Treadmill

If you really want a home gym, you should consider investing in a slightly better machine. This XTERRA treadmill costs just over $300 and is a bestseller on Amazon. It has over 2,000 5-star reviews from happy customers. 

This model’s running track measures 16 by 50 inches and can bear up to 250 pounds. It’s sturdier, weighing in at 108 pounds. This machine’s speed ranges from 0.5 to 10 mph, fast enough to accommodate walking and running for average users. 

This model has a footprint of 28.75 by 63.4 inches and is easily folded up when not in use. It’s a manual model and has an LCD screen that keeps you updated on speed and time. This model also comes with 12 preset buttons and three incline settings. 

4. Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Folding Treadmill

This next option for best treadmill for home under $500 has two working functions – you can use it completely flat or set it up with a handrail. It’s easy to tuck out of sight under a couch or bed when not in use. It’s also perfectly suited for walking at a standing desk while you work from home. 

This model comes in seven different colors, ranging from bright red and blue to neutrals like black and gray. It weighs about 75 pounds and can go at a speed of up to 7.5 mph. The running belt measures 16 by 40 inches and can carry a weight of up to 265 pounds. When extended, this treadmill measures 27 by 52 inches and has a height of 5 inches. 

A Bluetooth feature means you can connect to a digital device and play music while you work out. The motor is quiet and a small LCD screen displays running data. You control the treadmill’s speed with a small hand-held remote. This treadmill is electronic and needs a 20-amp electrical outlet to run. 

Run With Ease on the Best Treadmill for Home Under $500

Use this guide to find the best treadmill for home under $500 that suits your needs. Working out on a daily basis shouldn’t have to cost you $3,000 or more. Thankfully, there are many treadmills available that can help you stay healthy without taking up too much space in your home or breaking the bank. 

Updated on March 11, 2024